EPCOT’s signature celebration of artistry is stepping back into the limelight, but this year’s return comes with even more star power and an expanded look behind the scenes. Disney has confirmed that the fan-favorite Broadway component of the festival is officially on its way back, announcing, “The DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series is back at the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, ready to fill your heart with show tunes, soaring vocals, and that signature Disney magic.”
Rather than easing into the new season, the festival is arriving with one of its most robust lineups to date. The reveal confirms six brand-new performers joining the roster for the first time, adding fresh voices to a series already popular with Disney fans and theater lovers. With classics represented from The Lion King to Beauty and the Beast to Aladdin and Tarzan, the 2026 edition is shaping up to deliver an eclectic range of Broadway energy.
A New Exhibit Steps Into the Spotlight
Before diving into the performer list, Disney is giving guests another reason to explore EPCOT beyond the concert stage. The company announced a brand-new Festival of the Arts feature designed to pull back the curtain on Disney’s stage productions:
“While you’re at the festival, get ready to step behind the curtain at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT with Once Upon A Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway, an all-new exhibit showcasing the artistry behind beloved stage productions like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. From authentic props and costumes to intricate photo-ops and behind-the-scenes insights, this immersive experience will have you ready to give a standing ovation!”
This addition highlights the craftsmanship behind Disney’s Broadway catalog, offering an in-depth look at the materials, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing these productions to life. Guests can expect an experience that mixes education with spectacle—spotlighting costumes, props, and interactive displays that celebrate the evolution of Disney’s theater legacy.
Dining Packages Return With the Spotlight They Deserve
The festival is also bringing back one of its most crowd-pleasing offerings: premium dining packages that guarantee priority seating for the concert series. Disney confirmed:
“If you love the idea of dinner and a show, we have something extra special on the menu! During the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, you can indulge in one of 15 unique dining experiences through the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages, each pairing a delicious meal with guaranteed priority seating for the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series that same evening.
From the first forkful to the final bow, it’s the perfect encore to your day at EPCOT. Booking opens December 17 so mark your calendar and get ready to plan an evening that’s truly show-stopping. For more information, visit DisneyWorld.com.”
For guests hoping to secure premium seating during some of the festival’s busiest days, the packages offer a streamlined way to enjoy the concerts without worrying about arriving hours in advance. With 15 different restaurants participating, visitors can curate an evening that complements the Broadway performance of their choice.
The 2026 Performer Lineup
Following the announcements, Disney unveiled the full schedule of EPCOT’s 2026 DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series—a blend of returning favorites and first-time performers. The schedule reads:
“Isabelle McCalla (“Aladdin”) – NEW! and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
January 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 27
Sierra Boggess (“The Little Mermaid”) – NEW! and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”)
January 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29
Anastacia McCleskey (“Tarzan”) – NEW! and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
January 30
February 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10
Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”)
January 31
February 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12
Ainsley Melham (“Aladdin”) – NEW! Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”)
February 13, 15, 16, 19
Susan Egan (“Beauty and The Beast”) – NEW! and James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”) – NEW!
February 14, 17, 18, 20, 21
Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”), Ainsley Melham (“Aladdin”), Susan Egan (“Beauty and The Beast”), James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”)
February 22, 23
By leading with multiple newcomers—including Isabelle McCalla, Sierra Boggess, Anastacia McCleskey, Ainsley Melham, Susan Egan, and James Monroe Iglehart—the 2026 festival presents a refreshing rotation of voices while preserving the familiar charm of longtime festival regulars. Fans will likely recognize the design of the schedule: pairings often reflect shared on-stage history, whether through show legacy or character connection.
Mid-February features one of the most anticipated partnerships: Beauty and the Beast’s Susan Egan and Aladdin’s James Monroe Iglehart, both of whom are making their series debut. Meanwhile, early-February guests can look forward to powerhouse sets from Mandy Gonzalez and Kissy Simmons. The festival’s final weekend brings all four major headliners—Ashley Brown, Ainsley Melham, Susan Egan, and James Monroe Iglehart—together for a celebratory send-off.
NEW: Walt Disney World reveals the performers for DISNEY ON BROADWAY at the 2026 Festival of the Arts. pic.twitter.com/5WPqnv8yaj
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 6, 2025
A Festival Designed to Inspire
Although the performer lineup is often the most talked-about component, the event’s broader spirit remains grounded in creativity. Disney closed its announcement with:
“Circle the date, rally your crew, and prepare for an unforgettable celebration of creativity at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. With dazzling stage performances, stunning visual masterpieces, and mouthwatering culinary delights, the festival is a feast for the senses.”
Between the elevated concert lineup, the new backstage-inspired exhibit, and returning dining packages, the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts appears poised for one of its strongest years yet.
For fans of Disney theatre, EPCOT festivals, or themed entertainment at large, the upcoming season offers a compelling mix of nostalgia, artistry, and fresh creative experiences—a combination that makes 2026 a can’t-miss year for festivalgoers.
